Scottish Author Ali Smith Wins 2026 Dublin Literary Award

Scottish author Ali Smith has been named the winner of the 2026 Dublin Literary Award for her novel Gliff. The announcement took place on May 21, 2026, during a special ceremony held at the International Literature Festival Dublin in Merrion Square Park. This annual prize is one of the most significant honors in the global literary community. The Dublin Literary Award is sponsored by the Dublin City Council and administered by Dublin City Libraries. It carries a cash prize of 100,000 euros, which is awarded to the author of the winning work of fiction. If the winning book is a translation, the prize money is split between the author and the translator. Lord Mayor of Dublin and Patron of the Award, Councillor Ray McAdam, officially announced the winner during the festival. Deputy Chief Executive of Dublin City Council, Anthony Flynn, presented the award to Smith at the ceremony. The event highlighted the city's ongoing commitment to celebrating excellence in international writing. This year's competition began with 69 titles nominated by 80 public libraries from countries around the world. A six-member international judging panel, chaired by Chris Morash, was responsible for selecting the shortlist and the final winner. The process is designed to reflect a diverse range of voices and perspectives from the global literary landscape. The shortlist for the 2026 award featured six titles that demonstrated high literary quality. Other finalists included In Late Summer by Magdalena Blažević, Live Fast by Brigitte Giraud, and Perspective(s) by Laurent Binet. The list also included The Emperor of Gladness by Ocean Vuong and What I Know About You by Éric Chacour. Established in 1996, the Dublin Literary Award is unique because it relies on nominations from public libraries. This structure ensures that the award considers a wide variety of books that have resonated with readers in different regions. The prize aims to promote the importance of translation as a vital component of literature. Ali Smith is a celebrated writer known for her experimental style and exploration of contemporary themes. Her winning novel, Gliff, was published by Hamish Hamilton, an imprint of Penguin Random House. The book has received critical attention for its narrative structure and thematic depth. The Dublin Literary Award continues to be a major event for authors and publishers alike. It serves as a platform to bring international attention to works that might otherwise remain within their home markets. By focusing on translated works, the award emphasizes the role of literature in bridging cultural divides. Organizers noted that the award remains dedicated to its founding principles of internationalism and literary excellence. The ceremony in Merrion Square Park served as a celebration of the power of storytelling to connect people across borders. It also marked the 31st year of the prize's history. Looking ahead, the Dublin City Council plans to continue its support for the award as a cornerstone of the city's cultural identity. The success of the 2026 edition reinforces the status of the prize as a benchmark for quality in fiction. Future nominations will continue to be sourced from libraries worldwide to maintain the award's global reach.